When people decorate their homes, they often underestimate the importance of lighting. The way a room is lit has a great impact on how all of the other elements appear. You need to carefully plan the lighting scheme for each room. The type of lighting you choose depends on several factors:
- The amount of natural light a room receives during the day.
- The purpose of the room and how you use it.
- The style of your home and decor.
Pay Attention to Lighting Temperature
Light bulbs are measured by Degrees Kelvin and come in several varieties.
- Soft White: 2700K to 3000K
- Bright White: 3500K to 4100K
- Daylight:5 5000K to 6500K
The higher the Degrees Kelvin, the brighter the room will appear. Choose the lighting temperature based on your preferences. However, Soft White often works well in living rooms and bedrooms where you want a relaxed feeling. Bright White and Daylight are better suited for kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms where you want a brighter, more vibrant atmosphere.
Kitchen Lighting
The ambient lighting, which is the primary source of light for the room, should cover the entire room. For the kitchen, a combination of recessed lighting and pendant or artisan lighting works well. When planning your kitchen lighting, make sure you consider every part of the room. If you have a kitchen island, for example, it’s useful to have a chandelier or other lighting fixture directly above. Consider task lighting for areas such as cabinets, above the sink and stove and for a corner cupboard.
Living Room
In most homes, the living room is the largest and the one designed for the widest variety of activities. As such, you should focus on lighting each area appropriately. Task lighting is especially important for a living room, so place lamps or overhead lighting in strategic spots. Desk lamps are useful for reading and working. Adjustable floor lamps help you enjoy flexible lighting. Accent lighting can be used to highlight certain features such as artwork.
Dining Room
You want the dining room to be well-lit, but in a relaxed and subdued way. Some good choices include chandeliers, pendant lights and wall sconces. Edison lighting provides a traditional atmosphere that goes well with many styles, including antiques and colonial decor.
Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any home. In some cases, you may have two or more to consider. Bathroom lighting is mostly about practicality and safety. However, you can also make it appealing. You’ll want ample task lighting for the shower as well as above the sink. It’s also convenient to have a nightlight that’s either on all night or that turns out when motion is detected.
Discover Your Ideal Lighting Solutions
Lighting is something you’ll want to experiment with. Your needs and preferences are likely to change over time. You can always try different types of bulbs and positions for lamps and other elements. Likewise, you can alter window coverings such as curtains, blinds and drapes for better control over natural lighting. Your lighting decisions will evolve as you find out what works best for your home.
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